PerennialsNepeta × faassenii
Catmint
Catmint is a tough border plant with grey-green, aromatic foliage and soft blue flower plumes. It blooms from May to September, making it one of the longest-flowering perennials. Bees love the flowers and cats are drawn to the leaves.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Low
- Height
- 30–45 cm
- Spread
- 30–60 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 4–8
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- blue, purple
- Wildlife value
- bees, butterflies, cats
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Water sparingly — the plant handles drought with ease. Fertilizer is hardly needed; overly rich soil makes the plant floppy. In harsh winters, cover lightly with straw.
Pruning tips
Cut back the first flower stems after blooming to halfway down the plant — a second flush will follow. In early spring, cut the entire plant back to about 10 cm above ground level.
Good companions
ShrubsRosa gallica
Gallica Rose
The Gallica Rose is one of the oldest cultivated rose species, grown since the Middle Ages. Its semi-double, vivid red-pink flowers appear in June and July and carry an intense fragrance. Decorative rose hips develop after flowering.
ShrubsLavandula angustifolia
English Lavender
Lavender is a beloved herb with aromatic silver-green foliage and purple-blue flower spikes. This evergreen plant blooms profusely from June to August and is remarkably drought-tolerant, attracting butterflies and bees to the garden.
PerennialsSalvia nemorosa
Woodland Sage
Woodland Sage is a compact perennial with striking purple-blue flower spikes blooming from June to August. It attracts plenty of bees and butterflies and works well in sunny borders. Cutting back spent flower stems often triggers a second flush of blooms.